The Baron Hotel

Uncovering Roots returns with the first episode of its new season, beginning in Aleppo, at the doors of one of the most iconic hotels in the Middle East.

The Baron Hotel once hosted kings, spies, archaeologists, and refugees. It was a grand hotel at the crossroads of empire, war, and survival. In this episode, we trace the layered history of the Baron through the voice of Mary Momdjian, whose family built and ran the hotel for generations.

From stories of Armenian refugees during the genocide to cocktails with Agatha Christie, the Baron’s past is woven into the fabric of Syria’s modern history. Today, it stands abandoned. A fragile, fading symbol of memory and loss.

This episode was co-produced by Maxim Saakyan and Zila Demirjian. Sound design by Maxim Saakyan. 

Thank you to the Armenian Film Foundation for letting us use Koko Mazloumian's  testimony. 

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